Nobel Laureate Esther Duflo Announced as Chair of the Jury for Inaugural Lafayette Fellowship Cycle
New York, November 13, 2025 – Villa Albertine is thrilled to announce that Nobel Laureate Esther Duflo will serve as Chair of the National Jury for the inaugural cycle of the Lafayette Fellowship. Applications for the Lafayette Fellowship will remain open until November 30, 2025.
The participation of Dr. Duflo as Chair of the Jury is one of many special milestones for the Lafayette Fellowship, in which up to 30 U.S. students of exceptional caliber will be welcomed for a fully funded year of master’s level study at one of 15 top French higher education institutions.
“I am delighted to accept the role of Chair of the Jury of the Lafayette Fellowship, a program with the mission to advance the next generation of thinkers and doers invested in the potential of the transatlantic relationship,” stated Dr. Esther Duflo. “I believe that the promise of these young aspirants, who will undoubtedly bring enthusiasm and passion to their studies, can lead the way to a more equitable and fulfilling tomorrow for all.”
The Lafayette Fellowship was officially launched in September by His Excellency, Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic. At a conversation held at Villa Albertine in New York, Mr. Macron met with American university students to discuss the vibrant legacy and future of French-American collaboration in higher education.
Read more about the event with Mr. Macron in our press release.
The participation of Dr. Duflo as Chair of the Jury further distinguishes the Lafayette Fellowship and its future student cohort, as well as the program’s global standing among other graduate fellowships.
“We are honored to have Esther Duflo join the Lafayette Fellowship as Chair of the Jury,” stated Mohamed Bouabdallah, Cultural Counselor of France in the United States and Director of Villa Albertine. “Her brilliant research, proven acumen, impact on public policies, and decades of service in supporting university students make her an exemplary leader for the selection of our initial cohort of fellows. She will undoubtedly share keen insights with our jurors to select the most outstanding candidates.”
About the Lafayette Fellowship
The Lafayette Fellowship is an initiative developed by the French Embassy in the United States and designed by Villa Albertine and France Science. Intended to nurture tomorrow’s leaders through a year of graduate study in France, the Lafayette Fellowship partners with leading French universities to offer an array of courses in STEM, humanities, and the social sciences.
The Lafayette Fellowship draws its name from the Marquis de Lafayette, who sailed from France to America to join its nascent revolution, and whose actions contributed vitally to the founding of the United States.
A leadership component is built into the program to offer mentorship and immersion. With studies available in French and in English, the Lafayette Fellowship will welcome its first cohort of fellows in Paris on July 4, 2026, in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence.
Applications for the Lafayette Fellowship are open until November 30, 2025 at 11:59pm ET.
Learn more about the Lafayette Fellowship on our website.